Committee calls for greater co-operation between the Council of Europe and Kazakhstan

20/10/2017

Political Affairs and Democracy

“The Council of Europe should further enhance co-operation with Kazakhstan to assist it on the path of transformation towards democratic governance,” stated the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy, adopting a report by Axel Fischer (Germany, EPP/CD) on 12 October.

While recognising the importance of Kazakhstan, “one of the pillars of stability in the Euro-Asia region”, the committee believes that the pace of reform has been slow, the political system remains highly centralised and democratic culture has yet to take root among citizens.

The parliamentarians welcomed the fact that Kazakhstan is party to several Council of Europe conventions and has requested to accede to other instruments. At the same time, they encouraged the country to explore and use Council of Europe expertise – particularly that of the Venice Commission – in the process of reforms and the implementation of democratic standards.